The Benjamin School

Sorry for the typo in my review below. *I was punched in the face by a student while at public school.

I went to tbs for 7 years, pre-k-5 and it was horrible. The classes were way to easy and kids who excelled in math in fifth grade, about 5-10 a class, sat outside in the hall and worked on a packet none of which was explained to us even though we had to take the same quizzes as the other students, although the more advanced children were not taught these lessons. There is a lot of bullying whether or not the teachers hear of it which makes school very unpleasant. Many people still at tbs hate it there and want to switch schools. Some people I know who have left are so happy that they got to leave. Going to public school, a magnet school, helped me realize that not everyone is rich and rude,

Outstanding School. Parents that are shocked about the demographic related to the wealth are being silly who do they think will be attracted to private schools. The benefit related to the cost is excellent. Great leadership, teachers and infrastructure. Keep up the great work!
--Submitted by a parent

My youngest is graduating in May and my only regret is that we didn't move to Florida sooner so she and her sister could have had more years at this wonderful school. Great teachers, administrators, and families. Gorgeous campuses and polite students. I will miss being a part of The Benjamin School.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child attended The Benjamin School for 3 years, pk-1 & although the grounds & amenities appear to be above many peer schools- looks can be deceiving ! First we learned that our child would not benefit in any sports/enrichment classes until after 2nd grade. Second, when tbs finally figured out it was important / beneficial & that their peers were offering post school enrichments & parents demanded it ( tbs also lost 300 students in 1 yr) they finally agreed to offer add on after school enrichment a fee days per week at an additional expense ( school is 8:15-2:45 at cost of $15-$17k per year then you pay more bc they don't offer the use of those beautiful facilities until Around 3rd grade? Next topic post will be on tutoring @ $75 / hr where tbs retains $25 & teachers get $50 & going rate for accreited teacher is $55/hr Once again tbs found a way to make money & increase price of tutoring for tbs students! Teachers are required to schedule all tutoring through the school & may not tutor tbs students off campus ( ie tbs must get their $25 cut)! More to. Come about teacher layoffs , treatment of teachers by removing simple benefits (teacher coffee in lounge removed) no water in rm
--Submitted by a parent

I attend the Benjamin School. I am in eighth grade and I very much so dislike it. The school looks great from the outside but when you attend it is terrible. Every kid who goes here are spoiled and over privileged . The curriculum is terrible for the price you must pay.In the high school there are multiple drug problems, especially chewing tobacco. I personally have attended six schools and this is by far the worst. I beg you not to send your child here.

As an alumnus of Benjamin (and former member of the "14 year club", meaning I was there for lower, middle, & upper school), I'll throw in my two cents: This school is exactly what you make of it. Because TBS attracts "rich kids", some parents expect that it will miraculously foster the talent & character that their kids don't actually have- Sorry, that's not possible. Unfortunately, money can only buy your child so much. However, for the talented (whether that be academically, artistically, and/or athletically), there are more than plenty of state-of-the-art opportunities at Benjamin. The close-knit environment is much more safe and supportive than those of the jumbo public schools in the area (despite the 20-30 dull snobs that seem to squeeze their way into every graduating class). The writing and math programs are also INCREDIBLE- I matriculated into an ivy league school and felt more prepared in these areas than the majority of my classmates. Bottom line: If you have the money & are in the South Florida area, send your child. There's really no better option.

I spent four years and almost 100k at this school. Then pulled my children out and put them in public school. They were straight A students at Benjamin and were behind in the public schools. I would not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Ive read the previous reviews and I'm shocked. Both of my children attend the Benjamin school and have started since Pre-K. They are taking 4 languages each. I believe that the childhood years are the most crucial in development that's why I choose this establishment. The school is a monument but it's the parents, teachers, and staff that make the school a special place. The school takes great pride in all aspects. Every detail is taken into prospective. There are children that are mentally gifted but not developmentally. These children are getting the best of all worlds. The Social and economic student body varies and basing a childs education on this is very unusual. My children are from a middle income family that appreciate the education and "love" they receive. The social, physical, and mental development in my children in this establishment is priceless.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended the Benjamin School. Disappointed with the quality of the Lower School Academics. TBS is going through hard times and suffering as a result of extremely weak leadership. School appears to be more concerned with appearance than quality or performance.
--Submitted by a parent